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Harbourmaster directions

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has adopted the New Zealand Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code (the Code) and applies the principles described within the Code to marine operations on the region's waters. The movement of vessels within the Code application area is subject to direction by the Bay of Plenty Regional Harbourmaster.  

The purpose of these directions is to enhance maritime safety and control the safe operation of vessels in the region’s waterways. 

What are Harbourmaster Directions?  

Harbourmaster Directions are issued under the Maritime Transport Act 1994 and the Bay of Plenty Regional Navigation Safety Bylaw. They’re used to:  

  • Improve maritime safety.  
  • Manage vessel movements.  
  • Respond to changing conditions on the water.   

Harbourmaster Directions are made pursuant to: 

  • Section 33F of the Maritime Transport Act 1994 (the Act);  
  • Section 48 and section 60A (2) of the Maritime Transport Act, 1994, as delegated by the director to the Harbourmaster under section 444(2) of the Act and consented by the Minister of Transport under section 444(4) of the Act;  
  • Bay of Plenty Regional Navigation Safety Bylaw (the Bylaw) 

This Harbourmaster Direction is enforceable from 1 December 2024 until the Bay of Plenty Regional Navigation Safety Bylaws 2025 come into force. 

Issued Under: Section 33F of the Maritime Transport Act 1994 (MTA). 

1. Tarawera River: 

  • Location: From the State Highway 34/Tamarangi Drive Bridge to the far end of the Kawerau Golf Club. 
  • Speed Limit: Vessels may not exceed 5 knots. 
  • View map

2. Kaituna River: 

  • Location: From 200m downstream of the Waitangi railway bridge to 400m upstream of the Pacific Coast Highway Bridge. 
  • Speed Limit: Vessels may not exceed 5 knots. 
  • View map 

Bay of Plenty Regional Council shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, or costs arising from this direction. For compliance and safety, please adhere to these speed limits in the specified areas. 

HARBOURMASTER DIRECTION PURSUANT TO SECTION 33F(1)(c)(i) OF THE MARITIME TRANSPORT ACT 1994: MOTITI ISLAND EXCLUSION ZONE FOR VESSELS GREATER THAN 500GT

I, JON JON PETERS, Bay of Plenty Regional Harbourmaster, issue the following Direction pursuant to section 33F(1)(c)(i) of the Maritime Transport Act 1994 on the grounds that the Direction is necessary for the purpose of ensuring maritime safety. This Direction extends the Direction issued on 9 May 2025.

APPLICATION: This Direction applies from 9 May 2025 until 1 June 2026 to all vessels greater than 500 gross tonnes unless an exemption is granted by the Harbourmaster.

DIRECTION: The Master of any vessel greater than 500 gross tonnes will not cause that vessel to enter the following exclusion zone: 
Motiti Island a circle of 2.0 nautical miles radius centred on position 37 36.430 S 176 25.135 E 

This Direction may be amended, extended or rescinded at any time by the Harbourmaster as considered necessary for the purpose of maritime safety.

JonJon Peters
Regional Harbourmaster Bay of Plenty